Pole Passion's very own Paula Bines, Ben Weeks, Sam Causon and Kay Penney owner of Pole Passion worked with ITV Fixers to help show how pole fitness can benefit even fitness professionals and change the perception of Pole Fitness by taking a pole class to Crawley Rugby Clubs weekly training. Ben and Sam were put on Heart monitors whilst working out on the pole. The results showed their heart rate went up to 180 in under three minutes, which in conclusion proves Pole Fitness IS a high intensity workout. This proves pole fitness can have the same cardio vascular workout like sprinting, but with the added benefits of weights and flexibility training, balance and coordination which is included in static pole holds for increased muscle definition including resistance training all at a maximum intensity.

The Poles used are RPole Portable Free Standing Dance Poles which are proved to burn more calories compared to fixed floor to ceiling poles

THE TEST

To monitor the maximum heart rate of a male and female pole athlete during continuous intense pole endurance and training, which includes upper and lower body muscles, during pole tricks, spins, transitions and acrobatics on and around a vertical bar – the pole - for three minutes.

Their heart rates were monitored throughout their intense session.

For a 27 year old female – Sam Causon – Pole Passion

At rest and with a normal heart the HR (Heart rate) is between 60 - 100 BPM

For a 23 year old male – Ben Weeks – Pole Passion

At rest and with a normal heart the HR (Heart rate) is between 60 – 100 BPM

the maximum heart rate is 197

(An estimate of a person's maximum age-related heart rate can be calculated by subtracting the person's age from 220)

FINDINGS

Personal Trainer (PT) Nikos Skevis of Premier Training supported the two pole athletes throughout the session and monitoring them throughout. Whilst pole fitness is not classed as a team sport such as Rugby, Football or Netball, it encourages less egos and a supportive team spirit which includes a positive social support network for the participants.

CONCLUSION

Nikos commented that he was surprized with his findings as he had underestimated the power, strength and agility required for such an activity. ‘Their heart rates went up to 180 in under three minutes, which concludes they reached high intensity training.’

Nikos continued to liken it to cardio vascular sport training activities such as sprinting and high intensity rowing, but with the added benefits of flexibility training, balance and coordination which is included in static pole holds for increased muscle definition including resistance training all at a maximum intensity.